Looking at an '01 Limited

[TheotherTyler]

Hello everyone!

I've poked around a bit here, and it seems like there's a lot of knowledge that I will hopefully be leveraging in the future!

I'm currently looking at a 2001 Sequoia Limited with just under 100k mi. It has all of the Limited options - sunroof, leather, jbl, etc. The truck drives great, doesn't hesitate on takeoff, and shifts very smoothly. The interior looks to be in good shape - there's some wear on the leather but probably nothing a bit of reconditioning couldn't take care of. The only obvious trouble spots are a broken antenna, small back bumper issue (which is clear on the pictures), and a broken rear latch (which I understand isn't a complicated DIY fix).

We posted pictures on facebook, since it's the best way to share pictures that's free:

Katie Meehan's Photos - Car | Facebook

Essentially I'm wanting to know if there's anything in particular I should ask or look for before purchasing the vehicle. I have a great mechanic who is going to put the truck in the air and check everything out, but it doesn't hurt to air my situation in a forum like this and get your opinion as well. The current owner has owned for 6 months and said that his wife doesn't like driving it due to its size. He drives it occassionally, but would prefer to sell it that drive it part time. Prior to that it was a lease fleet vehicle. The car has been registered in FL since new. Current owner says he gets between 15-18 mpg, which is fine by me.

Owner is asking $8,500, with a consideration for the the price of the rear latch fix.

Are there particularly expensive problems that poke up later in life for the 01 Seq that I should be aware of? Is there maintenance I should check out around the 100k mi mark that will basically add on to the purchase price? I don't really want to get a good deal on a truck only to spend 4-5k in maint/repairs.

Basically if there's anything you Seq owners know from experience that a NB like me won't, I'd appreciate it. Thanks!

[fly186]

Find out if the timing belt has been replaced. If not, it's time at 100K. Quite a few threads on that topic here. For example: Sequoia Timing Belt Change

[mcmatt]

I have one of those and it is still in great condition although I have driven the heck out of mine. I'm at 175K. The rear latch is easy. Many posts on how to do it here. The timing belt is the main item for sure. Also, it is time for shocks and struts if they haven't been changed. Ask if this car had the TSB done on the A/C. The suction line was redesigned to allow more oil to return to the compressor. If it hasn't had a problem after all these miles, I don't guess I would worry about it. That is a good price for a limited with less than 100k. I would recommend it. I will probably buy another Seq when mine makes it over 250k. I hope anyway! Good Luck

[Andy4]

Go to the National highway and safety site and check for recalls on the veh.
Ball joints and brakes may have been a recall.
If the truck was serviced at Toyota there should be a maintenance record available.
Also see if there are any problems with the back window operating, many are getting "stuck" in the up position, there is a TSB covering a repair you can try before considering a motor replacement.
Get ALL the keys if you can and check on how many replacement keys, if any, have been made. The computer limits the number.

[TheotherTyler]

Thanks everyone for your input. I asked the owner and he said the 90k service (belts, tensioner, water pump, pulleys) had not been performed. Doing some searching it looks to be a $600+ service.

The A/C runs perfectly, hasn't had a problem as far as he knows. I tried it out under full load and it didn't miss a beat.

Checked for recalls and TSBs, there are 2 that I found for 01 Sequoias:

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 06E049000
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 07E023000
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Don't know if current owner had either of these done. Is there any way to search a VIN to see if this was taken care of? Carfax report doesn't have any dealer maintenance after 61k mi.

Truck is being seen by a mechanic tomorrow, so we'll know better once it's in the air. Again, thanks for your input and any other insight you can give is much appreciated.

[ColdFinger]

I have an 01 Ltd.

Right exhaust manifold became cracked. Replacement $1,100 approx. Sounded like a ticking/valve noise, more noticeable when cold engine then gradually decreased as engine temp rose.

Timing belt/water pump - they also recommend replacing the tension bearings, total bill will be $700-800 or so.

Audio system speakers - make sure all the speakers work. A few of mine are going out.

Antenna - my power antenna failed. Easy to replace mast if it is just that. DIY = $40-75 depending where you buy it.

Antenna power motor - if that is bad, access to it may be easy by removing the inner fender skirt but you will probably need to buy 10 or so new plastic tabs. I think the motor/antenna mast assy is around $170.

Wheels - maybe just my bad luck, but the clear coat finish is coming off, especially where they install the wheel balance weights. Cost about $125/wheel to refinish.

Jim

[TheotherTyler]

Thanks to everyone for all of your collective input. I took to a mechanic who I very much trust, and the results were the following:

He also said the truck needs new timing, idler pulley, water pump, etc. which I already knew. He also said that the truck should have new brakes, shocks, and struts all around. Strike one.

After getting the truck in the air, the mechanic noticed some extensive damage to the rear, probably where an accident had gone unreported. He said that the repairs were not done to spec, and that the broken latch was more than likely due to this accident (not what the owner had told me). Strikes two, three, and four (for piling on's sake).

So I decided on "Thanks, but no thanks." as my official party line. Buying from a private seller is tricky but we'll see what else I can find. Again, thanks for everyone's help, and I will float over the forums and see if what else I can find. In the meantime, if you guys hear about a good 4runner or Sequoia that needs a caring, loving home, you know where to find me.